WHAT a difference a few months can make...

The former Gusto building on Sheffield Road has been derelict for over a decade following the restaurant’s closure - and has remained an eyesore ever since.

But Doncaster firm R Betts decided they wanted to bring some life to the area - and after months of work, they’ve certainly done that.

There are 12 luxury flats at the site as well as two retail apartments on the ground floor.

Around £1m has been spent on the unit - from start to finish - and director Scott Drabble is hoping that the first few tenants will be moving in in the next few weeks.

He told the Chronicle: “We’ve completely transformed the building.

“It was derelict, we had squatters trying to get in - it was riddled with rats and pigeons.

“We’ve transformed it.

“We’ve had a lot of compliments about it.

“Local businesses are happy with it as well.

“We’ve spent a lot of money on the specification, they’re luxury - hopefully the tenants will look after it and enjoy it like we have.”

Of the flats, six are one-bed and six are two-bedrooms - with stunning views over the town centre and Oakwell.

All are now available for rent through G8 Property.

An extra floor has also been added as part of the renovations - with the roof now housing further flats.

Scott is hoping that people will love the properties as much as he does - and he hopes that it will ensure more and more people will be able to live closer to the vibrant town centre.

“They’ve been on the market since last week and we’ve had viewings everyday,” he added.

“Hopefully we’ll have tenants in at the start of July.

“The shops are available and we’ve had a bit of interest.

“The more we get the better.”